Management of Early and Late Orthodontic Correction of Unilateral Crossbite- A Narrative Review

Crossbites are among the most frequently encountered malocclusions during the primary and mixed dentition stages, affecting approximately 5–8% of children between the ages of 3 and 12. In over 90% of these cases, a lateral mandibular shift occurs upon closure, resulting from a transverse discrepancy between the upper and lower dental arches. This mandibular rotation leads to the appearance of a unilateral posterior crossbite, typically involving multiple teeth in the buccal segments when the teeth are in centric occlusion. The underlying transverse discrepancy may stem from various contributing factors, such as narrowed maxillary inter canine width due to non-nutritive sucking habits, mouth breathing or airway obstruction, localized dental interferences, atypical tooth eruption patterns, or trauma. Given these risks, early correction of posterior crossbites is essential. Treatment should aim to guide developing teeth into more optimal functional positions and correct condylar asymmetry. Typically, this is achieved through maxillary expansion, which restores proper mandibular closure patterns and eliminates functional deviations. Performing these corrections during active growth phases facilitates favourable dentoskeletal changes, reduces long-term esthetic and functional complications, and simplifies treatment. Early intervention in primary or mixed dentition is generally less invasive, faster, and more physiologically manageable compared to treatments required at older ages.